Sue. Mills and Boon Version

Charlotte watched Martin as he explored the rails of the second-hand shop. As ever, he had honed in on the men’s suit section and was picking out lurid waistcoats. She felt half-embarrassed, half-proud, that when attired in something bright green or yellow, he suddenly found more confidence. He would visibly change from the subdued, gentle man that most people usually saw, to someone able to strike up an instant rapport with anyone and brighten the lives of those around him.

As Martin removed his jacket to try on a waistcoat, she watched him in the mirror and felt the familiar surge of affection for his underlying vulnerability, whilst also admiring his slim, lithe torso.

She far was less prepared for the unbidden comparison that leapt into her mind of Max, the circus owner and ringmaster, attired in his red waistcoat, back tailcoat, top hat and accompanying whip. Her heart quickened and her pulse raced as she thought about Max’s solid, muscular body, piercing blue-black eyes, self-assuredness and mastery of everything around him. Charlotte blushed as she realised she was trembling from a mixture of shame, excitement and horror. She reminded herself that Max was a man she despised for his ruthlessness and the way he controlled and exploited the crew, including the good-natured Martin. Due to her natural feistiness and inner resilience, she had not yet succumbed to this control but she hated the atmosphere that was caused by her ongoing battles with Max.

With an effort, she refocused her attention upon the man she had long ago chosen above all others.